Sunday, December 31, 2006

Human Vanity versus the Biggest Number

"It is one of the hallmarks of human vanity that we assume, because we cannot do something, that God cannot do it either." (Neal A. Maxwell, Even As I Am, SLC: Deseret Book, 1982, p. 63.)

The Resurrection is proof that Christ comprehends the infinite

It was also Neal A. Maxwell who said:

"There will be no end to the ripples of the Resurrection resulting from the infinite Atonement. There will be no end either to the posterity of those who receive eternal life—eventually more posterity than the stars in the heavens. (See Gen. 26:3–4.) How infinite indeed!" (Neal A. Maxwell, "Answer Me," Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 33.)

The Resurrection is infinite and Christ necessarily comprehends that which he brought to pass. The Resurrection, therefore, is proof that Christ comprehends the infinite.

"For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice."

"For all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;

And not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand.

" ' When the prophets speak of an infinite atonement, they mean just that. Its effects cover all men, the earth itself and all forms of life thereon, and reach out into the endless expanse of eternity.... And through the power of his atonement the inhabitants of these worlds, the revelation says, "are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:24), which means that the atonement of Christ, being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earths ' (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, pp. 64, 65)." (Larry C. Porter, "Q&A: Questions and Answers," New Era, Nov. 1985, p. 19.)

The earth and all life upon it have partaken of mortality through the fall of Adam and are redeemed through the infinite atonement of Christ.

Also an infinite number of earths

"The definitive Atonement of Jesus the Christ ... extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. (See D&C 76:24; Moses 1:33.) It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension." (Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 35.)

"In Moses 1:33, we are told that by the Only Begotten Son ' worlds without number ' were created. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, commenting on that verse, wrote: ' Now our Lord’s jurisdiction and power extend far beyond the limits of this one small earth on which we dwell.... the atonement of Christ, being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earths. ' (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, p. 65.)" (Gerald N. Lund, "The Fall of Man and His Redemption," Ensign, Jan. 1990, p. 24.)

Mortal man is bounded by time and space

"How does a gracious God commune with his children on earth? How can those of us on earth, whose experiences are bounded by time and space and frailties of the flesh, comprehend that which is infinite and eternal? By what means can mortal eyes see within the veil, or the ears of earth hear the voices of eternity?" (Bruce R. McConkie, "Thou Shalt Receive Revelation," Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 60.)

Mortal man with his finite mind cannot know the biggest number. That is clear. But it is also clear that God is not mortal and his mind is not finite.

It is, therefore, the very essence of vanity for man to use his finite, mortal mind to judge that God's glorified, perfected, and infinite mind is limited in any way.